  Rule amendments impact inspectors, building officials
Recent changes to the state's certification rules provide alternate pathways to obtain some certifications, as well as expand the scope of work allowed under others. The rule amendments:
- Add a second pathway (i.e. complete a division-administered class) to obtain a medical gas plumbing inspector certification.
- Add the ability for residential inspectors to perform plan review and inspection of manufactured dwelling parks, recreational parks, organizational camps, and picnic parks (the scope of work allowed for a Park and Camp Inspector) while removing the application provisions for the Manufactured Structured Installation Inspector certification and the Park and Camp Inspector certification. These two certifications will no longer be issued.
- Require an applicant for the Oregon Building Official certification to enroll in or complete a division-administered class and hold a valid Oregon Inspector Certification within six months of hire.
- Require a building official who has changed jurisdiction employment to enroll in or complete a division-administered class within six months of hire.
The amendments also provide clarity and predictability regarding the responsibilities and duties of building officials, inspectors, and plans examiners, including clarification of the cite-it write-it requirements.
These rule changes were part of a broad group of amendments addressed in public hearings on Dec. 16, 2015, and Feb. 23, 2016, and in a temporary rule that went into effect Jan. 26. 2016; they became permanent April 1. Some amendments considered at the hearings were not permanently adopted, but continue under review. View all of the April 1 rule changes.
Guidance for code application in new marijuana facilities
The division has received numerous inquiries regarding the application of the Oregon Building Code in conjunction with new facilities used for marijuana operations. To provide guidance, the division developed a helpful questions and answers document. In general, facilities used for marijuana operations are treated like other facilities under the Oregon Building Code. This document provides guidance to local building officials and inspectors.
Not seeing a course that you are interested in? View the complete 2016 training calendar.
Changes to certification rules, permanent rule effective April 1, 2016
Electrical disconnections, permanent rule effective April 1, 2016
Multifamily electrical fees and inspections, permanent rule effective April 1, 2016
Oregon Energy Efficiency Code federal SEER requirements, temporary rule effective March 3, 2016
2014 Oregon Residential Specialty Code and 2014 Oregon Structural Specialty Code changes to low frequency alarms in sleeping areas, gas piping requirements permanent rule effective Feb. 1, 2016
2014 Oregon Residential Specialty Code amendments to underground residential gas piping requirements, ORSC amendment effective Feb. 1, 2016
2014 Oregon Structural Specialty Code amendments to low frequency alarms in sleeping areas, OSSC amendment effective Feb. 1, 2016
Structural permit requirements for replacement of rooftop mechanical equipment, issued March 4, 2016
Low frequency alarms in sleeping areas, updated Feb. 1, 2016
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